On our list. We've seen this German beauty online and in stores many a time and definitely admired its design. But this weekend after seeing it in action, the LIKEaBIKE jumped to our must-have list.
LIKEaBIKE
While heading into our local coffee bar for a cup Saturday morning, a helmeted three-year old darted out with LIKEaBIKE and Dad in tow.
The toddler mounted the bike, leaned forward and took off like an Olympic speedskater. He looked like he was gliding over the concrete sidewalks, flying past parking meters.
It made us think of our own childhood. He looked so free.
Notice that none of the several models of LIKEaBIKE have pedals. So a toddler as young as 2 can use his feet to propel it and learn balance. This supposedly should help him graduate more easily to a real bike.
So how much is this going to set you back? The original LIKEaBIKE sells for about $255, with the various models costing a bit more.
And of course, there are accessories to trick it out. You can buy the matching trailer for about $205. A more reasonable option is to buy the front-mounted basket for about $41.
A saddlebag and kickstand also are available.
We still have about a year before buying, but we'd like to hear from you...is LIKEaBIKE a winner with tots?
Comments (12)
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We gave our daughter a like-a-bike for her 3rd birthday, and it is the best thing we have ever bought her! Can't say enough great things about it!
We can finally go for long walks wih her, and she has developed a great sense of balance from riding it. It is worth every penny -- yes, it is rather expensive, but much, much better than any trike or other little bike we have found... And you can pass it down to your next child!.
Here is footage of our daughter on her bike (Tallulah sur le Plaza):
http://www.tdg.ch/pages/home/tribune_de_geneve/multimedia/concours_clip_de_l_ete
view mschatelaine's profile
monika1:
that was fun! Thanks for sharing the video.
janie
view janie's profile
I saw these sort of bikes on Sesame Street - Grover travels the world and I think he was in New Zealand explaining how everyone rides bikes everywhere and kids train on these before graduating to pedals.
view clickchick's profile
hate all you want on the big boxes, but target's been selling their version for a fraction of the price. i think the brand's called play wonder.
view L-A's profile
I just bought the Target version for $20! It looks great too! (no ugly toys in our house!) It also has rubber tires so that she can ride in the house as well as outdoors. My tot is still a bit too short but in a few months she will be zipping along just like your sweetie pie!
view Erika Chapin's profile
We have the Target version and LOVE it. My son rides it everywhere, inside and out, and we've noticed a huge improvement in his balance. Great product.
view dcmom's profile
I have the target version also. bought it on clearance for $13 something with tax. The seat is too wide for my niece. She complains that it hurts her thighs. Because I only spent $13, I felt free to modify the seat. We took off the vinyl and thinned down the front of the seat with a saw and sanded it. We replaced the vinyl and it works much better. It also looks more like a traditional bike seat now.
view lace's profile
Have you a link to the target bike?
view clickchick's profile
Fantastic Design
These bikes are great. here's video of my 2-6 year old on a Buga-bike. I totally recommend them.
Buga-bike by Sabamba ltd 1999.
(VIDEO)Buga-bike bicycle for toddlers
It really is the perfect bike for a toddler and I am constantly telling other parents where I got it!
view marietrends's profile
Also check out the Skuut - same concept, high quality, cheaper price (about $90) www.skuut.com
view ZeitgeistMama's profile
Balance Learning (Run-style Bike)
The Glider Rider is available in the USA (the non-brake is the European PUKY). These are a great illustration of the new (and better) approach to learning to balance on a bike, and really incredibly well-priced compared to many of the boutique wooden ones coming in to N. America and pulling down $275-325.
Plus, these wooden bikes are way less functional than the Glider Rider.
The Glider Rider has a brake, kickstand, low-step through for ease of getting on and off and lets wee ones comfortably (and safely) rest feet.
Free rotation steering has also shown to be much safer than having handlebars that "lock" and stick up at a "dangerous" angle when the bike is laying on the ground with the wooden models. Most kids I know have had great fun with these for several years.
Good for most 2-6 year olds.
Retails for under $100.
What’s more, its been clinically shown to improve concentration, balance, coordination and even improve swimming ability. Seems the continuous stride pattern used with playful Glider Rider operation also assists in improving bilateral sensing, managing rhythm, timing and pacing, sustaining attention, and building multi-tasking skill.
Check out the helpful video on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgssmMKsiYk
view o2b4again's profile
skuut wooden bike ...
We are having trouble communicating with Skuut regarding our balance bike orders. Emails are not returned, no one answers the phone and messages are not returned. At this point we are very frustrated with the company because we, as well as many of our customers, have been waiting months to receive our order. We are not accepting new orders until this is resolved, and those with current orders have the option to cancel by calling 614-218-4002. Please have your order number handy to expedite the process. We are very sorry for the inconvenience and will do our best to keep our customers happy. http://www.sproutsoup.com/skuut-balance-bike-c-25-p-1-pr-72.html
view Max2008's profile